Step-by-step Guide to T-shirt Printing
Designing a T-shirt would be funny, design a pattern and print it on your T-shirt, make your T- shirt unique and splendid and may even bring you some money if you decide to sell your designs. Whether you intend to print the shirt yourself or send it off to a professional printer, you can still come up with the design your T-shirt at home.
How we can finish a T-shirt printing, here are the tips and steps to follow.
Design Your Pattern
The first step to making a t-shirt involves creating a design, usually done on paper. Create a sketch that depicts the angles and details you’d like the final shirt to have. It doesn’t have to be super fancy, as long as you can show what you need. Designing a shirt with the end goal in mind helps the pattern maker know what you are going for.
Know Your Quantity And Budget
Before you get too deep into the printing process, identify your estimated quantity and budget. As with any type of printing, ordering a large quantity will likely reduce the cost per item. Ordering in bulk is a smart plan, especially if you’ll be selling the shirts.
In addition to quantity, identify which sizes you’ll need and how many of each. If you’re printing merchandise shirts, keep in mind that some sizes are more popular than others, but it’s always important to have an inclusive range. Depending on your manufacturer, certain sizes can be pricier than others.
Choose A Fabric And Shirt Type
An incredibly popular option is 100% cotton. It’s versatile, easy to wear and even easier to wash. For a softer and more breathable alternative, try the 50% polyester/50% cotton blend, a crowd favorite and often cheaper than pure cotton.
Work with your printer to determine which fabrics will work with your quantity and budget.
In addition to selecting a fabric, you’ll need to settle on a shirt type.
Submit Your Files
When you’re ready to pull the trigger on printing, you’ll need to send your design files to your printer. Communicate directly with your printer and ask them about specific file types, color requirements and file sizes. Ask in advance in order to avoid any miscommunication down the road. Relay this information to your designer so they can supply you with your final files.
Check Your Proof
A printer should always send you a proof before a shirt gets printed, especially if you’re placing a bulk order. This can be a digital proof or a test print of the shirt itself. This is your last chance to make any changes, so review it very carefully. Check the words, the numbers, the colors, the alignment… everything.
In this step-by-step t-shirt printing guide, we know the ins and outs of printing a t-shirt, including determining your quantity & budget, selecting a printing method and choosing the right fabric.
